🌍We invite you to explore reports from our international mobilities, as well as research visits and workshops organized at the Institute.✨
Here you will find short summaries, photos 📸, and key experiences shared by participants who have taken part in mobilities around the world. 🌎
02/2026
In February 2026, Andrei-Alexandru Smeu, a student of the Faculty of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Bucharest, completed a research internship at the Stable Isotope Laboratory of the Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences (IGS PAS) in Warsaw.
During his stay, the student became familiar with analytical methods used in the laboratory and carried out isotope analyses of samples that form part of a research project investigating the Eocene–Oligocene climate transition in the Eastern and Central Paratethys.
The research initiated during the internship will be continued in collaboration with the University of Bucharest for selected areas of the Carpathians. The results will provide comparative data for selected regions of Poland and Romania, contributing to a better understanding of environmental changes in the Paratethys region during the Eocene–Oligocene transition.
This internship represents another research mobility carried out within the NAWA PROM programme, which supports international scientific collaboration and the development of early-career researchers.
02/2026
From 2–11 February 2026, Dr Anna Gumsley completed a research visit at CNRS & University of Montpellier (Geosciences Montpellier) under the supervision of Prof. Bruno Dhuime. During her visit, she gained advanced theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in in situ strontium isotope analysis of apatite using the LA-MC-ICP-MS method, as well as in data interpretation in the context of magmatic processes and crustal evolution. The visit strengthened international scientific collaboration and contributed to the development of long-term research links between ING PAN and Geosciences Montpellier. Dr Gumsley analysed, e.g., apatite crystals from pegmatites of Strzegom. Thanks to cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging made by Dr hab. Krzysztof Szopa, analytical spots were precisely located within different growth zones of apatite crystals.
01/2026
At the end of January, the GeoEco Research Group organized the Biśnik Cave Coprolite Workshop at the Research Center of IGS PAS in Warsaw.
The two-day meeting brought together researchers from multiple disciplines to explore topics related to the geology, archaeology, paleontology, ecology and—of course—coprolite research associated with Biśnik Cave.
Day 1 focused on establishing the geological and archaeological context of the site. Presentations covered the stratigraphy and excavation history of Biśnik Cave, paleontology and paleozoology of the faunal assemblages, as well as the paleoecology and taphonomy of hyena den deposits. The potential of biomarker studies in cave sediments was also discussed.
Day 2 highlighted new results from coprolite research, including multi-proxy analytical approaches, applications of paleo-metagenomics, palynological analyses of coprolites, and comparative sediment geochemistry from the Pod Oknem and Raj caves.
The workshop concluded with a discussion on future directions in coprolite research and on strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration in this field .
The participation of Freya Steinhagen (University of Tübingen) was made possible thanks to the NAWA-PROM program
01/2026
Dr. hab. Maciej Bojanowski, together with PhD candidate Iga Ryczkowska, in collaboration with Prof. Andreas Wetzel (University of Basel), conducted a scientific expedition to New Zealand. The visit included participation in the 22nd International Sedimentological Congress in Wellington as well as field investigations in the Taranaki Basin. The mobility of PhD candidate Iga Ryczkowska was carried out within the NAWA PROM programme.The research focused on carbonate ichnoconcretions associated with submarine methane seepage in Miocene deposits of the continental slope, exposed in the coastal cliffs along the Tasman Sea. These formations are exceptionally rich in trace fossils, and the studied interval includes taxa such as Scolicia, Zoophycos, Phycosiphon, Chondrites, Ophiomorpha, and Thalassinoides. Precise identification of these ichnotaxa will enable reconstruction of palaeoenvironmental conditions and assessment of the role of bioturbation in the formation of authigenic carbonates, providing new insights into sedimentary processes associated with methane seep systems.
12/2025
The study visit of PhD student Abdalhak Mahdjoub from Algeria has recently come to an end. It was carried out at the IGS PAS within the framework of the NAWA PROM programme, under the supervision of Dr hab. Przemysław Gedl.Reflecting on his stay, the participant highlights intensive scientific work, particularly on palynofacies and dinoflagellate cysts, as well as highly inspiring experiences beyond the laboratory: “My research stay at the IGS PAS was a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge of palynofacies and dinoflagellate cysts under the guidance of highly respected specialists in the field. Beyond the intensive scientific training, the NAWA scholarship also provided me with the opportunity to explore Polish culture and its rich historical heritage. This experience became an exceptionally inspiring and transformative stage in both my scientific and personal development.”
11/2025
Prof. Anna Wysocka and Dr. Anna Filipek conducted a scientific visit to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where they collaborated with a research team led by Prof. Liu Jianguo. During the visit, they documented exposures of Eocene–Oligocene rocks in the Baise and Nanning basins. The collected materials, together with newly identified locations with high research potential, represent an important step in the development of Polish–Chinese cooperation in the field of sedimentary geology. The newly identified sites open prospects for further joint research activities in this region.
